Australia’s Academic and Research Network (AARNet) has announced that it will peer with Amazon Web Services (AWS) in Seattle to provide 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) access to AWS' cloud product suite.

AARNet's chief operating officer Don Robertson said that the agreement would connect AARNet through the Southern Cross Cable to its SXTransPORT link to the US, and access to AWS' cloud computing, data storage, and application services.

"For data-intensive projects and global collaborations, Amazon provides Australian researchers and educators with a choice of high-performance, scalable, and cost-effective computing and storage options as and when needed," Robertson said.

International data transfers to Amazon's US-WEST-2 will also be unmetered under the deal.

Macquarie University is already keen to take up Amazon cloud services. CIO Marc Bailey said that the AARNet agreement would help researchers use the best in cloud computing and storage.